Case construction for timepieces



Nov. 7, 1939. P, H ENGLISH 2,178,957

CASE CONSTRUCTION FOR TIMEPIECES Filed June 2l, 1938 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Nov. 7, 1939. P. H. ENGLISH CASE CONSTRUCTION FOR TIMEPIECES Filed June 2l, 1938 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Nom 7, 1939 Telit@ CASE CNSTRU @MDN FR, TIMEPIECES Application .lune 2l, i938, Serial No. 214,87@

Claims.

This invention relates to an improved case ccnstruction for nieasuring-instruments, and is more especially directed to an improved case construction for timepieces, such as clocks and watches.

The invention has for its pri nary object the provision for a measuririg-instrument, such as a watch, clock, or the like, which often undergoes frequent handling, of a iront-case assembly wh" is secure and of superior stability and which 'nl not readily become dislodged or damaged in use.

Another object or" the present invention is to provide a :iront-case assembly comprising a iront case member, a decorative-ring and a bezel-ring, and to also provide means acting through the bezel-ring for securely clamping the decorative-- ring its assembled position and effectively 1ereventing its movement with respect to cooperating indicating-meinbers of a precision instrument.

A further object of the present invention to provide a superior case construction wherein exterior decorativeor dial-ring is provided at low cost, and which adds to the attractiveness or the assembly.

Other objects advantages secured by this invention include the provision oi a front-case assembly which comprises but few parts or" simple construction which are adapted to easy and secure assembly7 and which thereby bring about economies in material, labor and costs.

With the above and other objects in view, as will appear to those skilled in the art from the present disclosure, this invention includes all features in the said disclosure which are novel over the prior art.

In the accompanying drawings, in which certain modes of carrying out the present invention are Shown for illustrative purposes:

Fig. 1 is a view in front elevation of a watch embodying a case construction according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a view thereof showing the iront-case plate, bezel-ring, and dial-ring in section on the line 2 2 of Fig. l, and showing the remainder of the Watch in edge elevation;

Fig. 3 is a iront-face View oi the ront-caseplate assembly;

Fig. i is a rear-face View of the assembly or Fig. 3;

5 is a iront-face view or" the iront-case plate, detached;

Fig. 6 is a similar view of the dial-ring;

Fig. 'l' is a perspective view, mainly from the rear, of the bezel-ring;

Fig. 8 is a view, partly in side elevation and (ci. ssi- 127) partly in vertical central section of a cloclffassembly illustrating another iorrn of the present invention; and

Fig. 9 is a iront-face View of the so-called dialring of the structure oi Fig. 8. 5

The novel features of the present invention reside mainly in the relationship between a 1cezele ring, a decorative-ring which for convenience c1" description will be hereinafter reierred to as a dial-ring, and a case-element which carries 10 both the said bezel-ring and the said dial-ring.

rhe particular watch-structure herein chosen for the purpose of illustrating one form or" the present invention, and as shown in l to 7 inclusive, includes a front-case plate iii, a dialring ii and a bezel-ring l2.

is shown, the front-case plate ill is provided with a central aperture i3 and the dial-ring il, which is to be located against the forward face oi the iront-case 'plate also provided with a 20 central aperture arranged to register with the central aperture it of the said case-plate- The said apertures i3 and ill receive a iiange of the bezel-ring i2 now about to be described.

The bezel-ring i2 is formed at its forward or 25 outer end with an outwardly-extending annular clainping-iange i5 for overlying a portion ci the front face of the dial-ring ii and with a rearwardly-extending locating-lange which passes rearwardly through the apertures Eli in the front case-plate iii and the dial-ring il respectively.

n accordance with the invention. ine-ans provided which act through the bezel-imag l" draw the clamping-flange l5 rearwardly to c the dial-ring il between the rear iface oi the clamping-harige and the front tace of the ontcase plate i6. For this purpose, in the embodiment of the invention now being described, the rear end oi the locating-lange l ci" the hezel- 40 ring l2 merges into an outwardiy-flared annular anchoring-terminal El which bears in part against the rear face of the iront-case plate i@ around the aperture iii therein and acts to draw the clamping-'Harige i5 rearwardly to securely 45 clamp the dial-ring li against the iront face of the front case-plate iii.

As shown, the locating-flange i6 oi the bezelring lil passes through the apertures it and it and serves as a centering-means for centering the dial-plate il on the iront-case plate i@ with their respective apertures lll and S3 in registering relation. The clamping-ange iii engages a portion of the front face of the dial-plate ii around the aperture lli therein, and the anchor- :i5v

ing-terminal l1, engaging the rear face of the front case-plate l0 about the aperture I3 therein, acts through the bezel-ring lil to draw the clamping-flange l5 thereof tightly against the dialplate i l to securely clamp the latter in position on the front-case plate l5.

As shown, the clamping-flange i5 of the bezelring I2 is provided just inside of its front face with an undercut circumferential groove I8 in which is seated a crystal i3a or other suitable transparent member and through which indicating-hands lh and may be viewed.

By referring to Figs. l and 2, in which merely by way of example the above elements are shown assembled and forming part of the case structure of a watch, desirable features of the described. arrangement will become apparent.

As illustrated, the front-case plate i@ is provided in its rear face adjacent its edge with a retaining-shoulder 3 which may be snapped over an annular plate-retaining shoulder 2Q formed on a center case-band 2| of the watch-case structure.

Thus, there is provided a securely anchored and stable case construction, the parts of which are few in number and are of simple construction, and which will not become dislodged in use,

and which provides for effectively restraining relative movements between the parts.

Figs. 8 and 9 illustrate another mode by which the object of drawing a clamping-flange of a bezel-ring tightly against a dial-ring is secured. Here, and again merely for purposes of illustration, the invention is shown carried out in a case-construction of a clock.

In the arrangement shown in Fig. 8, now to be described, the clock-case is generally designated by the reference character 25 and comprises a body-portion 25 and a front-case member 21 rigidly glued or otherwise secured to the front of the said body-portion 2B.

Extending through the upper part of the bodyportion 26 is a central passage 28 which registers with a central passage 29 in the front-case member 21 and both of which passages are for the purpose of receiving a timepiece-unit of any suitable type. The front portion of the passage 29 in the front-case member 21 is enlarged as at 3i) for the accommodation of a locating-flange to be later described, and results in the formation of an annular shoulder 3l about midway of the depth of the said front-case member.

The forward face of the front-case member 21 has located thereagainst a dial-ring 32 which has a central aperture 33 registering with the enlargement Sll in the passage 23 in said front-case member. The said dial-ring may have hour numerals or decorative features upon its front face, as may be desired.

For the purpose of centering and securely supporting the dial-ring 32 against the forward face of the front-case member 21, a bezel-ring 34 is provided. As in the arrangement previously described, the bezel-ring 34 is formed with an outwardly-extending clamping-ange 35 which engages with a portion of the front face of the dialring 32 around the aperture 33 therein, and which is adapted to be brought into clamping relation with the said dial-ring. A locating-flange 36 extends rearwardly from the clamping-flange 35 through the aperture 33 in the dial-ring 32 and into the enlargement Sil of the passage 29 in the case-member il and serves as means for centering the dial-ring 32 on the said case-member.

Means are provided whereby the clampingiiange 35 of the bezel-ring 34 is drawn rearwardly to securely clamp the dial-ring 32 against the front face of the front-case member 21.

As shown, there is confined in the opening 31 in the bezel-ring 34, a supporting-plate 38 carrying a dial-disk 38EL and suitably secured to the locating-flange 36 of the said bezel-ring, as for instance, by inwardly-bending portions 362L of the said locating-flange. Connected to the supporting plate 38 by means of studs 39 is a timepieceunit 40 which is located in the openings 28 and 29 of the body-portion 2G and case-member 21 and which may be of any approved type not requiring detailed description herein. At the rear of the body-portion 26, a cup-like supportingmember 4| is mounted. The said supportingmember comprises a flange-portion 42 which engages the back of the body-portion 26 about the opening 28 therein and a cup-like body-portion 43 which is received in the said opening 28. Passing forwardly through the forward wall of the cup-like body-portion 43 are screws 44 which take into threaded studs or pillars 45 on the timepiece-unit 40 and thus secure the said timepieceunit and the supporting-member 4I together.

In this manner, the bezel-ring 34 is connected with the cup-like supporting-member 4| mounted at the rear of the body-portion 26, through the intermediary of the supporting-plate 38, the studs 39, the timepiece-unit 40, the studs 45 and the screws 44. By the means just referred to, the clainping-iiange 35 of the bezel-ring 34 is drawn rearwardly and the dial-ring 32 is tightly clamped between the said clamping-flange 35 and the front face of the front-case member 21.

From the above arrangements, it will be evident that in providing means such as described, whereby a decorative member, such as a dial-ring, is drawn tightly against and securely anchored in place on an associated mounting-member, the possibility of dislodgement, or of movement of the indicating-member, is effectively avoided.

While the invention has been illustrated as applied to one class of measuring-instruments, namely, timepieces, it is to be understood that the use of the present invention is also contemplated with respect to other types of measuringor precision-instruments in which a separate decorative ring-element may be located on a mountingmember and securely anchored in place thereon. It may also be observed that the use of the term dial-ring in the description and claims herein is solely for the purpose of convenience of description, nor is it essential that it bear hournumerals, as shown for purposes of illustration. It is obvious that various forms of ring-elements may be employed and that any character of indicia or ornamentation, if desired, may be inscribed thereon.

By employing a dial-ring or its equivalent which is physically distinct or separately formed from the bezel-ring and case, it is possible to conveniently stock a large number and wide variety of such dial-rings for selection and combination with the casings of timepieces. In this manner, the need for the expensive stocking of variouslydecorated casings is obviated.

The invention may be carried out in other specic ways than those herein set forth without departing from the spirit and essential characteristics of the invention, and the present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.

I claim:

1. A case construction for timepieces, comprising: a dial-mounting member having an aperture therein; a dial-ring located against the front face of the said dial-mounting member, the said dial-ring having its outer peripheral portion freely engaging the dial-mounting member ntermediate the aperture in the said dial-mounting member and the outer periphery thereof and the said dial-ring also having an aperture therethrough registering with the aperture in the said dial-mounting member; a bezel-ring having an outwardly-extending clamping-flange overlying a portion of the front face of the said dial-ring around the aperture therein and also having a rearwardly-extending locating-flange projecting through the respective registering apertures of the said dial-mounting member and the said dial-ring; and anchoring-means acting through the said bezel-ring to rearwardly draw the clamping-flange thereof and clamp the said dial-ring between the latter flange and the said dialmounting member.

2. A case construction for timepieces, comprising: a dial-mounting member having an aperture therein; a dial-ring mounted on the front face of the said dial-mounting member, the said dialring having its outer peripheral portion freely engaging the dial-mounting member intermediate the aperture in the said dial-mounting member and the outer periphery thereof and the said dialring also having an aperture therethrough registering with the aperture in the said dial-mounting member; and a bezel-ring provided with an outwardly-extending clamping-ange overlying a portion of the front face of the said dial-ring around the aperture therein, and an integral rearwardly-extending locating-ilange projecting through the apertures in the dial-ring and dialmounting member and centering the said dialring on the dial-mounting member, the said bezel-ring also including an integral anchoring-terminal gripping the rear face of the said dialmounting member to rearwardly draw the clamping-flange ci the bezel-ring and clamp the said dial-ring between the said clamping-flange and the front face of the said dial-mounting member.

3. A 'case construction for timepieces, comprising: a dial-mounting member having an aperture therein; a dial-ring mounted on the front face of the said dial-mounting member, the said dial-ring having its outer peripheral portion freely engaging the dial-mounting member intermediate the aperture in the said dial-mounting member and the outer periphery thereof and the said dial-ring also having an aperture therethrough registering with the aperture in the said dial-mounting member; and a bezel-ring provided with an outwardly-extending flange having a portion overlying a portion of the front face of the said dial-ring around the aperture therein, and a portion provided with an undercut forming a crystal-seat in said clamping-ange, the

said bezel-ring also including an integral rearwardly extending locating ange projecting through the apertures in the dial-ring and the dial-mounting member and centering the said dial-ring on the dial-mounting member, and the said bezel-ring also including an integral rear anchoring-terminal flange-portion gripping a portion of the rear face of the dial-mounting nember around the aperture therein to rearwardly draw the clamping-flange of the bezelring and clamp the said dial-ring between the said ciamping-ange and the front face of the said dial-mounting member.

4. A case construction for timepieces, comprising: a case having a passage therethrough; a dialring mounted on the front face of the said case, the said dial-ring having its outer peripheral portion freely engaging the said front face of the case intermediate the passage in the said case and the outer periphery thereof and the said dial-ring also having an aperture therethrough registering with the passage in the said case; a bezel-ring having an outwardly-extending clamping-flange overlying a portion of the front face of the said dial-ring around the aperture therein, and a rearwardly-extending locating-ange projecting through the aperture of the said dial-ring and into the passage in the said case and centering the said dial-ring on the front of the said case; a iront supporting-plate; a rear mountingmember in the rear portion of the passage in the said case; a timepiece-unit; connections between said timepiece-unit and said front supportingplate and said rear mounting-member for locating and supporting the said timepiece-unit therebetween; and means connecting said front supporting-plate with said bezel-ring, whereby the clamping-flange thereof is rearwardly drawn and clamps the said dial-ring between the said clamping-flange and the front face of the said case.

5. A case construction for timepieces, comprising: a case having a passage therethrough; a dial-ring mounted on the iront face of the said case, the said dial-ring having its outer peripheral portion freely engaging the said front face of the case intermediate the passage in the said case and the outer periphery thereof and the dialring also having an aperture therethrough registering With the passage in the said case; a bezelring provided with an outwardly-extending clamping-flange overlying a portion of the front face of the said dial-ring around the aperture therein, and a rearwardly-extending locatingflange projecting through the aperture of the said dial-ring and into the passage of the said case and centering the said dial-ring on the case; a rear mounting-member secured in the rear portion of the case; and connections between the said bezel-ring and the said rear mounting-member acting through the said bezel-ring to rearwardly draw the clamping-ange thereof and clamp the said dial-ring between the said clamping-flange and the front face of the said case.

PHILIP H. ENGLISH. 

